Car-coupling.



Patented Mar. ll, I902. W. H. COBDILL.

CAR COUPLING. (Application filed Oct. 19, 1901.)

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(No Model.)

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Patented Mar. n, I902. w. n. CORDILL.

CAR COUPLING.

(Application filed Oct. 19, 1901.)

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No. 695,280. Patented Mar. ll, I902.

W. H.-.CORD|l.-L.

GAR COUPLING.

(Ap'glication filed. Oct. 19, 1001. (No Model.) In Sheets-Sheet 3.

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' ,GAR COUPLING.

' (Application filed Oct. 19, 1901.)

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Patented Mair. ll, I902. W. H. CORDILL'.

on couPLme. (Applicatin filed Oct. 19, 1901.)

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N0. 695,280. Patented Mar. ll, I902. W. H. GURDILL.

UAR COUPLING. (Application filed Oct. 19, 1901 (No Model.) l0 Sheets-Sheet 6.

/N VE N TOR l/ZZZe'amZlI CZrdzZ No. 695,280; Patented Mar. II, [902.

w. H. CORDl-LL. CAR COUPLING.

(Application filed Oct. 19, 1001.5

(No Model.) I!) Sheath-Sheet 7.

A TTOHVEY No. 895,280. Patented Mar. ll', I902.

W. H. CORDILL. v

CAR couPLlm (Application filed Oct. 19, 1901.)

(No Model.)

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By AITOME Patented Mar. H, I902.

W. H. CDRDELL.

CAR COUPLING.

(Application fllecl Oct. 19, 1901.)

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Wa nd ms Norms PETERS no" PHOTQ-LITHO" WASHINGTON, u. c.

No. 695,280. Patontbd Mar. II, I902.

W. H. GOBD|LL.

GAR cnuPLma. (A uc'mbn filed Oct. 19, 1901.) (-lh) Model.) [0 Sheets-Sheet l0.

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UNITED STATES PATENT @rrion.

WILLIAM H. CORDILIJ, OF GRAND VIEW, SOUTH DAKOTA.

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 695,280, dated March 11, 1902. Application filed October 19,1901- Serial No- 79,255. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM H. CORDILL, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Grand View, in the county of Ernie and State of South Dakota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Oar-Couplers, of which the followingisafull, clear, and exact description.

The object of my invention is to provide a device whereby a line of coupled rods or a train of coupled vehicles may be uncoupled at any desired point by turning the line of rods from either end of a train. The device in a modified form may also be used to execute a mechanical movement at any particu- %ar point in a line of rods from one end of said I will describe my device as constructed for vehicles and for a line of rods and will point out the novel featu res in the appended claims.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of two coupled freight-oars, showing my invention applied thereto. Fig. 2 is a partial longitudinal section on the line 2 2 in Fig. Fig. 3 is a front end view of a coupler proper. Fig. at is a partial longitudinal section on the line 1a in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a partial section on the line 5 5 in Fig. 6. View of that portion of the coupler shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a sectional detail view taken on the line '7 7 in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a detail view of a wing-plate employed. Fig. .l is a view taken on the line 9 9 in Fig. 5. Fig. 10 is a view taken on the line 10 10 in Fig. 0.

Fig. 11 is a view taken on the line 11 11 in,

Fig. 5. Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line 12 12 in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a detail view of a drum, showing a diiferent portion from that illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 14: is a cross-section taken on the line 14. 14 in Fig.

1. Fig. 15 is a sectional View taken on the line 15 15 in Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a plan view of a sounding device employed. Fig. 17 is a longitudinal section of a modification of my invention. Fig. 18 is a sectional view on the line 18 18 in Fig. 17, and Fig. 19 is a detail view taken on the line 19 19 in Fig.17.

The coupling-heads are placed inside of a Fig. 6 is a front end cylindrical drawhead provided with arms extending outwardly and forwardly, each draw-head being automatically locked to the cylinder of an opposing draw-head. When the rods connecting the couplings are turned, the coupling-heads are unlocked, thus disconnecting the vehicles. By the turning of the rods the coupling-heads of a train are one after another brought under the control of the operator until the coupling is reached which is to be disconnected. Thereupon a single turn of the rod in the opposite direction unlocks the said coupling and all the coupling-heads on the rod will be simultaneously returned to their initial positions.

Mounted beneath each car is a rod 1,0ne end of which has a rectangular longitudinal bore to receive the similarly-formed end of a rod 1, arranged to slide in the said rectangular bore of the rod 1. The rod 1, Figs. 5 and 13, carries a solid drum 2, said drum having a circumferential groove 3 intersected at right angles on diametrically opposite sides of the drum by a longitudinal groove 4:. Both grooves 3 and 4. communicate with each other on opposite sides of the drum by means of an obliquely-ranging groove 5. In this system of grooves rollers 6 are made to travel, as will be hereinafter more fully described, said rollers being journaled in and carried by arms 7, depending from arms 8. The rollers 6 are normally at rest at thejunction of the grooves 8 and 4. Behind this junction at opposite sides of the drum 2 lies a spring-pressedbolt 9, seated in a recess, said bolt serving to prevent a backward movement of the rollers b, as will hereinafter more fully appear. The rollers as they travel in the grooves 3 force aside a spring-pressed gate 10, pivoted on a post 11, the rollers being so mounted as to roll on the gate to reduce friction. This gate 10 normally obstructs the groove 3 at diametrically opposite sides of the drum and closes automatically after the rollers 6 have passed. As the rollers travel onward in the groove 3 they press back a beveled spring-pressed bolt 12, having aportion 13 countersunk in the groove 3 and slidable in a slot 14, (see Fig. 13,) said slot communicating with a recess 15. It is to be understood that there are two bolts 12 and recesses 15 on opposite sides of the drum 2. As each bolt 12 is thrust back against its spring the countersunk portion 13 makes wayfor a rack 16, (see Figs. 11 and 13,) actuated by a spring 17, seated in a recess in the drum. The rack thus prevents the bolt 12 from springing back after the rollers have passed.

The bolt 12 is pivoted at its outer end to one end of a lever 18, fulcrumed in the recess 15, the other end of the lever being pivoted to a bolt 19, slidable in a slot 20, communicating with the recess 15 and the groove 3. en

the bolt 12 and its countersunk portion 13 arepressed back against their spring, the bolt 19. is thrown in the opposite direction through the medium of thelever 18 across the groove 3. 1

After passing the bolt 9 previously described the rollers 6 are confined between said bolt 9 and the bolt 19 in the groove 3. The rollers on opposite sides of the draw-head will now be in the same relative position as they were in starting, with the exception that each has described a half-revolution. On continuing the rotary movement of the arms 8, by means of the rollers 6, abutting against the bolt 19, the drum 2 and likewise the rod 1 are turned by said rollers. The rod 1 being rigidly connected at its other end with the similar drum of a second coupling, it follows that another half-turn of the arms 8 produces a like change in position of the parts of the second drum. In other words, a full turn of the first coupling is necessary to cause the second to turn a halfrevolution. Thus each haIf turn of the rod 1 in the s ame direction operates another line of rods. Hence to operate a line of seven rods there must be eight turns of the first drum. The operator'having made a half-turn of the rod 1 for each coupling-head between his point of operation and the coupling he wishes to disconnect makes a quarter-turn of the rod, thereby causing the rollers 6 in the head to be uncoupled to assume a position slightly beyond the gate 10. By turning the rod 1 backward the operator forces the rollers 6 back against the closed gate 10, which serves to guide the rollers into the groove 5. This movement of the rollers and their arms withdraws the catches which hold together the coupler-heads atthis particular coupling, as will hereinafter appear. A spring catch 21, the bent end of which enters the recess 22, prevents a return movement of the rollers 6 into the groove 5 after they have entered the groove 4. The rack 16 constitutes one of a pair worked in opposite directions by a pinion 23. These racks 16 are alternately engaged by the end of a rock-arm 24, Figs. 11 and 12. The rockarm is journaled in suitable bearings integrally formed on the circumference of the drum 2. The said rock-arm is provided with a loosely-men nted head25. The rock-arm 24 and its head are pressed apart by a spring 26 abutting against a pin 27-on the-arm and againstthe inner e-nd of the head. In the to side, withdrawing the one rack 16 from the path of the countersunk portion 13 of the spring-pressed bolt 12. The rock-arm 24 is pivoted on the lug 24 somewhat beyond the pinion 23, its head 25 being rocked by the teeth 30 of the stationary circular rack 31. Diagonally-disposed guide-plates 32, Fig. 13, on either side of the arm 24, are secured to the drum forthe purpose of forcing the arm 24 to engage the rack 16. As the rollers G moveonward the bolts 12 cannot spring forward during the temporary absence of the rack 16, because of the pressure of the rollers against the bolts 19; but when the rod 1 is turned in the opposite direction the rollers 6 press against the spring-bolts 9, thus allowing the bolts 12 and 19 to return to their initial positions under the influence of the coil-springs pressing against the bolts 12. The rollers 6 when released in their backward movement from pressure against the,

bolts 9 are drawn into the groove 4. Hence an operator knowing the combination can turn the rods 1 and 1 the number of times required to operate a desired coupling and can then disconnect the said coupling by anber of four, said slots being spaced ninety degrees apart. A pin 35 projects through each slot, said pins having sliding movement in the slots. Fitting snugly within the-tube 33 is a disk 36, provided on the surface facing the drum 2 with two pairs of lugs. The inner ends of the pins 35 are held by each pair of lugs. On the tube 33 a clutch-disk 38 is mounted, which disk isprovided with two pairs of lugs 39, each pair straddling a pin 35.

Thus by means of the pins 35 both disks 36 and 38 are carried together and are rotated. together with the tube 33. face the disk 38 is formed with teeth adapted to lock with the teeth of a disk 40, mounted on the tube 33 at the ends of the slots 34, said disk 40 being loosely mounted on the tube, so that it has independent rotary movement. The toothed disk 40 is provided with .a portion 4.1,projecting outwardly beyond the teeth of the disk, said portion 4.1, as clearly shown. in Fig. 9, being formed with four tongues 41,

fitting in the corresponding grooves 42 of a cylindrical casing 43, carrying 'the arms.8, from which the roller-arms 7 extend. Thus the disk 40 carries with it the arms 8 as it rotates, but is not affected by a longitudinal movement of -the said arms owing to the tongue-and-groove connection. The disk 40 on its outer face is formed with a circular series of teeth adapted to interlock with the On the outer sure in the casing 43.

corresponding teeth of a loose disk 44, having an elongated hollow hub 45, serving as a slidable exterior cap for the forward end of the tube 33. Said tube 33 is likewise provided with an interior cap 46, against which one end of a coil-spring 47 presses, the other end abutting against the end of the hub 45. spring serves to hold the disk normally out of engagement with the outer end of the teeth of the disk 40. Through the end of the hub 45 the coil-spring 47, the inner cap 46, and the interior disk 36 a pin 48 passes, consisting of an inner reduced portion 48, a body 48, and an enlarged portion 48". The inner reduced portion 48 forms with the body 48 a shoulder 49, against which the disk 36 bears. By means of a pin 50, extending through the portion 48, the disk 36 is held to the shoulder 49, the said disk 36, however, having free rotary movement on the reduced portion 48 of the pin. Hence when the pin is reciprocated it carries both disks 38 and 44 alternately into and out of engagement with the central clutch-disk 40. The outer enlarged end 48 of the pin is pentagonal in cross-section, the five meeting edges beingeach provided with a thin tongue 51, Figs. 5 and 6, the ends of the pin portions 48 abutting against each other when two coupling members are brought together. portion 48 of the pin encounters the end of a similar pin of the opposing coupling-head and is pushed in against the coil-spring. 47. The clutch-disks 44 and 40 being thereby engaged with each other and the disk 38 forced outof engagement with the disk 40, the pin 48 is locked with the arms 8 by means of the tongue 41 of the disk 40 and the grooves It is the function of the clutch-disks 38, 40, and 44, the tube 33, and the pin 48 to hold the rollers 6 fast in their resting place (the junction of the grooves 3 and 4 in the drum) and during coupling to force the rollers out of this position. The cylindrical casing 43 is surrounded by a second cylindrical casin g 53,constitutin g a coup ling-head, the outer end of which is formed with hollow tooth-like projections 54, having inwardly-diverging faces 55 and 56, which meet in downwardly and inwardlyinclined edges 57. In Fig. 6 five of these tooth-like projections 54 are shown; but their number may be varied, if so desired.

In coupling two cars together the couplinghead 53 of the one mating member is designed to engage the similar coupling-head 53 of the opposing mating member on the other car, the teeth54interlocking, so that the edges 57 of the one head will be received between the corresponding faces 55 56 of the opposing head. For the purpose of thus locking the opposing coupling-heads 53 together I pro vide the face 55 and the face 56 of each tooth, respectively, with a door-like catch 58 59, formed with corrugations or notches. The catches of the same hollow teeth 54 are hinged so that they may swing inwardly toward each In the act of coupling the enlarged.

other through openings 60 61 (see Fig. 7 made in the corresponding faces 55 56. In order that the catches of opposing coupling-heads 53 may interlock when the said heads are brought together, they are normally pressed outward beyond the faces of the teeth 54 by springs 62. When opposing coupling-heads are brought together, the outwardly-pressed catches of the one coupling-head will ride over the outwardly-pressed catches of the other'coupling-head until the corrugations intermesh, whereupon the two heads will be rigidly connected. For the purpose of breaking this locking engagement of the two coupling-heads 53 the catches are secured each to one end of a chain 63, the other end of the chain being fastened to a ring 64. The chain ring 64 hasa series of inwardly-projecting hook-arms 66, designed to engage the rack 67 of the sleeve 68. The racks and hook-arms serve to lock ring and sleeve together. The inner end of the sleeve 68 is bent to form an outwardly-extending flange 71, and the outer end of the cylindrical casing 43 is bent to form an inwardly-extending flange 72. The flanges 71 72 and the intermediate portions of the cylinders 43 and 68 constitute a raceway for balls 73. By reason of this construction the sleeve 68 is enabled to rotate independently of the cylinder 43, but is compelled to reciprocate with the cylinder 43.

Since the chains 63, chain-ring 64, sleeve 68, cylinder 43, and arms 8 are so connected that they reciprocate together, it follows that a longitudinal movement of the arms 8, such as would be caused if the r01lers6 were made to travel in the oblique groove 5 of the drum 2, willdraw'the cylinder 43, sleeve 68, chain-ring 64 and chains 63 inwardly, thereby retracting the catches in the teeth of opposing coupling-heads, and thereby breaking the locking engagement of the said coupling-heads. Between the chain-ring 64 and the toothed head of the cylinder 53 a plate 65 is secured to the inner wall of the casing 53, said plate 65 being provided with openings for the passage of the chains 63 and with a central opening for the passage of the pin 48".

The interior wall of the sleeve 68 is provided with integral arms 69,.having outer re duced portions 70, projecting through the chain-ring 64 and through openings in the plate 65. The chain-ring 64 is slidableon the reduced portions '70 of the arms 69. These arms serve to communicate the rotary movement of the plate 65 to the sleeve 68.

The inner end of the cylinder or coupling head 53 is grooved to receive two series of balls 7 4 and 74 These two series of balls are separated by the inwardly-extending flange 75 of a cylindrical casing 76, carried by or integrally formed with the rod 1 and surrounding the drum-head'Z. The casing 76 is proinder or coupling head 53, between the ends thereof,is a similar rack 79. The teeth of said pair of rods 83 is connected by a plate 84, provided at each end with openings. The plate 84 is adapted to slide on the rods 83. At the sides of all the central plates 84 and likewise sliding on the rods 83 are pairs of rings 85, the rings extending around the entire interior circumference of the collar 80. Upon the rods 83 springs 86 are coiled, said springs abutting at one end against lugs 82 and atthe other end against the rings 85. The springs 86serve to press the rings and the central plates 84150 the middle of the collar 80.

Pivoted to the rings 85 and within the same are T-shaped pawls comprising a body 87 and a tooth 87. Said pawls are pressed into en gagement with the circular racks 78 79 by means of a spring 87', as clearly shown in Fig. 10. Each circular rack 78 or 79 as it rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 10 will swing the corresponding pawl aside, so that the body 87 will lie at an angle to its ring 85. The end of the body 87 will press the plate 84 flatly against the body 87 of the pawl pivoted to the adjacent ring 85, thus holding the second pawl rigidly with its point 87 in the teeth of the corresponding rack (79, for example, in Fig. 10) and preventing the rack from turning until the pawl is released.

When the arms 8 and the drum 2 are rigidly connected and turning together, the rings 85 are forced by the springs 86 against the central plates 84, and the pawls 87 are withdrawn from the racks 78 and 79, permitting both racks to turn. This releasing of the rings 85 at the proper time is effected by means of a lever-arm 88, which, as shown in Fig. 5, has a triangular head 88, carried outwardly by a post at right angles to the leverarm 88. Beneath each triangular head rollers 88 are journaled in the lever-arm 88and in the head 88. The rollers 88 and the head 88 constitute a wedge, serving the purpose of forcing apart the rings 85. The lever 88 is extended through an opening 89 in the cir-j lever 88 and support the pivot 92 of a wing-.

plate, which, as shown in Figs. 8 and 11, consists of swinging members 93 and 94. By

means of rollers 6, journaled in suitable bearings in the ends of arms7, secured to the ends of the arms 8 directly opposite the rollers 6, the members 93 94 of the wing-plates are spread against the casing 76, as particularly shown in Fig. 11. The members of each wing-plate are thus acted upon by the rollers 6 when the rollers 6 are in the drum-grooves 4 or in the junction of the grooves 3 and 4. When the wing-plates are thus pressed by the rollers 6, the head 88 of the lever is out of contact with the rings 85; but whenever the rollers 6 are turned out of thegrooves 4, allowing the members 93 94 of the wing-plate to move toward each other, as shown in Fig. 8, under the influence of the spring 92, so that their edges rest on the inner wall of the casing 76 and so that the pivot 92 is projected toward the drum, then by the force of the coil-spring secured to the casing 76 and abutting against each lever arm 88, each wedge-head 88 will be forced between the rings 85 until said rings rest upon the rollers 88 The casing 81, to whichthe collar 80 is secured, likewise supports the circular rack 31, engaging the heads 25 of the rock-arms 24, and incloses all the mechanism hereinbefore described. Said casing 81 is formed at one end with a head 81 andwith a hollow cone 81 the-head 81 and the apex of the cone 81 having openings for the passage of the rod 1. The drum 2 where attached to rod 1 is formed with a shoulder, which separates said drum from the head 81 of the casing 81. The head 76 of the cylinder 76 fits around said shoulder and is screwed to the drum. It is evident that in place of the shoulder a washer can be employed between the two heads. At the apex of the cone 81 a pin 95, Fig. 4, is passed through the rod 1, said pin serving, in conjunction with the shoulder 76 of the cylinder 76, to reciprocate the casing 81 whenever the rod 1 is reciprocated. The outer end of the casing 81 hasa removable head 81, havinga central opening sufficiently large to permit the protrusion of the coupling-head 53. The said head 81 is formed with flanges for the reception of a roller-bearing 81, adapted to travel on the outer surface of the cylinder 53. At diametrically opposite sides the casing 81is formedwith tubes 96,1'ectangular in cross-section, as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, said tubes extending longitudinally from one flat head of the casing 81 to the other. Within each tube 96 a rod 97 is adapted to slide, to the outer end of which rod a yoke 97 is screwed, stradling a disk 98. At its inner end the rod is provided with a fork 99, stradling a plate 100, held to slide between two guides 101, formed on the cone 81". Each plate 100 is connected with a guide-post 101 by a coil-spring 102 and is formed with a curved slot 100 to receive a pin 99, passing through the two members of each fork 99. The disk 98 is provided with lugs 98, Fig. 6, projecting between the teeth 54 of the cylinder 53. In the act of coupling the lugs 98 are pressed by the teeth 54 of the opposing coupling back against the rear meeting edges of the faces 55 56 of adjacent teeth. This movement is transmitted to the rods 97, and thus to the plates 100. The springs 102 serve the purpose of holding the lugs 98 of the disk 98 between the teeth 5% of the cylinder 53 when the coupling is disconnected. On the inclined edges of the plates 100 rollers 103, journaled in the forked ends of the rods 101, are adapted to travel, said ends being adapted to engage the posts 101.

The outer casing 81, containing the mechanism described hereinbefore, is held to slide in a cylinder 105, Figs. 2 and at, but is prevented from turning by reason of the rectangular tubes 96, which fitin grooves Fig. 3, formed on the inner wall of the cylinder 105. The cylinder 105 is connected with an outer barrel or draw-head 106 by the partition 106 and the head 106", both being formed integrally with said barrel. The inner end of the barrel or draw-head is reduced and is provided with a head 106 and a partition or wall 106, thereby forming a chamber 107 for the reception of a plunger 108, carried by a hollow buffer-rod 109, through which the rod 1 passes. The barrel 106 and the cylinder 105 are split longitudinally into halves, the semicylinders thus formed being clamped together by means of eyes, through which bolts are passed, as shown in Fig. 1. Each halfof the barrel 106 is provided with two cars 110, formed with hearings, in which arms 111 are journaled near the outer end of the barrel or draw-head 106. In width each arm is equal to one-fourth of the circumference of the barrel 106. i A strong coil-spring 112 is secured to each arm 111 and to the corresponding half of the barrel 106. The coil-springs hold the arms 111 normally distended. The arms are somewhat curved in cross-section and at their free ends are provided with flanges 111. Immediately behind these flanges the arms 111 are formed with grooves 111, the flanges and grooves constituting gripping and clutch members, as will be hereinafter more fully described. lhegro0ves111are each intersected at right angles by a longitudinal recess 113, formedwith a reduced portion 113. At the outerends of the recess 113 a swingingarm 114 is pivoted, said arm 114 being formed with a groove 114, receiving an extension 115, having limited sliding movement in the reduced portion 113 of the groove 113. The inner end of the telescoping extension 115 is pivoted to a ring 116', provided with inwardly-extending hooks 116. The rings 116 are adapted to enter grooves 111 in the flanges 111 on the inner ends of the arms 111. The extensions 115 serve to draw the arms 111 inwardlyf Each barrel 106 is provided with an annular flange or shoulder 117, designed to be engaged by the groove 111 and the flange 111 of an opposing coupling. The draft strain therefore falls upon the arms 111. Each barrel or draw-head 106, as shown in Fig. 1, is supported so that one arm 111 of one coupling will lie opposite the space between the two arms of the opposing coupling. When the arms 111 assume a horizontal po sition, the extensions 11.5 will enter the reduced portions 113 of the grooves 113, and

the rings 116 will strike the flanges 111, forcing them into correspondingly-shaped seats in the barrel-head 106 so that they lie flush with the surface of said head.

The hooks 116 of the rings 116 are adapted to engage hooks 119, pivoted in the partition 106 of the barrel 106 and pressed on their inner ends by springs 119, secured to thepartition106. Extendinglongitudinally through the barrel or draw-head 106 and through passages in the head 106 are two rods 120, Figs. 2 and 4, secured to the ring 116 on opposite sides. The inner ends of the rods 120 work between guide-blocks 121, integrally formed with the barrel 106, said blocks having grooves 121 to receive tongues on the rods 120. The inner ends of the rods 120 are provided with racks 122, meshing with pinions 123,-jonrnaled in each pair of blocks. Each pinion 123 meshes with a rack 121t,provided with tongues received in grooves in each pair of blocks 121. Coiled around the rods 1 and 1, between the cone 81 and the wall 106, is a spring 125, which serves to draw the cylinder 81 inward. l/Vhen each rod 120 is moved in one direction, the corresponding rack 121 is moved in the opposite direction. Pivoted to the ends of the racks 121 are the spring-pressed arms 104, carrying the rollers 103, previously mentioned. The arms 101 are outwardly curved or bent to enable the cone 81 to move inward. Each arm 101 as it is forced outwardly by the rod 120 abuts against the guide-blocks 101, and thus" pushes the casing 31 outward.

cylinder 53, are pressed back, as above described, by the points of the teeth 54 of an opposing cylinder, the rods 97 are also pushed,

so that the spring-arms 104 are disengaged from the blocks 101 by the sliding plate 100.

Coiled around the buffer-rod 109 is a strong spring 126, confined between the ball 127 and the head 106 of the draw-head 106. As one .car is brought against another during coupling the spring is compressed. When the car starts, the spring 126 will react and give sufficient play to the coupling of each car. The ball 127 has a passage-way for the rod 1 and is held in a bracket, Fig. 1, composed of two parts 128 and 128", bolted together, the part 128 being secured to the bottom of the car. The d raw-head 106 is hung from the car in the two halves of a ring or hoop 129, said halves being bolted together, and the upper portion of said ring being provided with an integral hollow post 129, in which a rod 129 slides. The rod is secured to the carand is provided with an enlarged end to prevent its escape from the hollow post 129. around the rod allows the draw-head to move sufficiently so that the coupling-arms 111 may grip the tiange 117 of the opposing coup- In order to operate the coupling from the top of the car, I key to the rod 1 a clutch-disk 130 and loosely mount on the rod the clutchlVhen the lugs 98, lying between the teeth 54 of one A spring coiled rlisk131. An intermediate clutch-disk 132, toothed on both sides, is secured to a sleeve splined on the rod 1, so that the disk 132 can be drawn from engagement with the disk 130 or the disk 131. To the bottom of the car a bracket is secured, provided with superposed boxes 133 134. The box 133 provides a hearing for the rod 1 and the box 134 a bearing for the rod 135. The box 134 is formed with a flange 134 to receive a grooved sprocketwheel 136. By reason of this construction the sprocket-wheel is prevented from moving longitudinally on the rod 135. A chain passes over the sprocket-wheel 136 and around teeth on the clutch-disk 131. The rod 135 near its end is provided with tongues fitting in grooves in the s procket-wheel 136,so that the sprocketwheel turns when. the shaft is turned. To the shaft or rod 135 is secured a bar 137, the end of which is forked and is received in a groove in the clutch-disk 132. Hence said disk is moved longitudinally along the rod 1 when the rod 135 is moved longitudinally. The rod 135 extends through a yoke 138, connected by pivoted links'139 with a similar yoke 140, through which a vertical lever 141 passes. The yoke 138 is prevented from moving along the rod 135 by pins; but the yoke 140 is free to move longitudinally on the lever 141. The lever 141 and the rod 135 are connected by a flexible joint 141, whereby the movement of the one is communicated to the other. The lever 141 is pivoted in a bracket 142, secured to the end of the car, the lever passing loosely through the pivot 142, so that it can be both rotated and swung. To the lever one end of a coil-spring is fastened, the other end being secured to the car. The spring serves to hold the lever in proper position relatively to the rod 135 and the rod 1. A spring-clip 144 is fastened to the end ofthe car, and into this clip the lever 141 is drawn and temporarily held during uncoupling. On the outer end of the lever 141 handle-bars 145 are secured. The lever 141 is likewise provided near its upper end with an indicator or finger 146, Fig. 14, playingover a dial 147, secured to the car by means of a bar 148, passing beneath a strap 149, fastened on the roof of the car. By means of indicating-lines 147 which are placed at the end of each quadrant of the dial 147, the finger 146 records the quartet revolutions made by the lever 141, and hence 1 boxes 152 and arranged to be sounded by striking bolts 153, pressed by coil-springs 154, seated in grooves 155. Each bolt has a lug 153, which impinges against a bell. The

- bolts are mounted at an angle to the dial, so

1 that they project slightly above the face of the dial. A spring 153 holds each bolt in this position. The bells are mounted in pairs in the dial at regular intervals in such a manner that when the finger 146 turns in one direction one set of bells will be struck, while the other set will not be affected. When the finger 146 turns in one direction, it strikes the projecting edges of one set of bolts, forcing each bolt against its spring beneath the face of the dial. When the finger has passed a bolt, the spring 154 will be relaxed and will cause the plate 153 to strike its bell 151. When the finger is turned in the direction opposite the arrow shown in Fig. 15, the other set of bolts 153 is depressed against the springs 153' without affecting the other bells 151. It is therefore evident that inwhatever direction the finger is turned one set of bells will be sounded.

Figs. 17, 18, and 19 represent a modification of my invention applied to a line of rods. In this modified form the outer casing 81 is stripped of all the exterior mechanism shown in Figs. 2 and 4 and is provided with a substantial base 81 The tube 33, (shown in Fig. 5,) the clutch-disks on the tube, the pin 48, together with the cylinder 53 and smaller part-s connected withthese,are dispensed with. The casing 76 is screwed to the drum 2. The outer casing 81 is shortened. Its removable head 81 and roller-bearings 81 are in direct contact with the cylinder43. The said cylinder 43 is solid at one end and formed with a reduced portion 43 and with an interior bearing 43 for the shaft 2 of the drum 2. The ends of the coil-spring 3 abut against the end of the drum 2 and the solid end 43 of the cylinder 43. The circular rack 79 is in this modified form of the invention mounted directly on the cylinder 43 and held from moving longitudinally by interior lugs 31 on the casing 81. The circular rack 7 9 is held between pairs of blocks 43, whereby the cylinder 43 is enabled to move longitudinally independently of the circular rack. Over the reduced solid end 43 of the cylinder is placed a collar 44, to which a head 45 is secured, said head being carried by the end of a shaft or rod1,journaled in suitable bearings. with four longitudinal slots 46, through each of which a pin 43 on the cylinder-head 43 projects. Thus the cylinder is enabled to follow the movements of its arms 8 as the rollers 6 travel in the grooves of the drum 2. The pins 43 support a grooved ring 47 formed in two semicircular parts, which when placed over the pins 43 are rivetedv together. The ring is therefore moved as the pins and the cylinder are moved. The connecting-rods of other mechanism may be secured to the ring 47 to receive the longitudinal movement imparted to the cylinder 43, whereby said movement may be transmitted to any desired coupling in any line of rods or shafts. The circular rack 78 is integrally formed with the cylinder 7 6 and is provided with guide-blocks .79, recessed to receive two racks 79 and 79.

In each guide-block 7 9 a pinion 80 is journaled, said pinion meshing with both racks 89? and 79. From this construction it follows that the two racks are reoiprocated in op- The collar is formed.

IIO

posite directions in their respective recesses in the guide-blocks 79. As shown particularly inFig. 18, each rack '70 is formedwith a cam 82, adapted to be engaged by the roller 6, carried at the end of an arm 8. roller rides up the cam the rack is moved outwardly, thereby rotating the pinion and moving the rack 79 inwardly. As-shown in Fig. 17, the rack carriesa wedge-head consisting of the triangular portion 88 and the rollers 88 said head, as previously described, serving the purpose of forcing apart the rings 85. This construction dispenses with the levers SS and the wing-plates described in connection with Fig. 5. The coil-spring 90 in this instance again serves the purpose of forcing the wedge-head between the rings 85.

The operation of coupling is as follows: When two cars are brought together and the opposing draw-heads approach each other, the arms 111 of the one draw-head will enter the space between the arms 111 and the other draw-head. The rings 116 of the opposing draw-heads will come in contact with each other and each will be forced back into the corresponding recess 111" of the flange 111 on the inner end of the arm 111. The flanges 111 will thereby be pushed into the seats in the head 106 so as to lie flush therewith, and

the arms 111 of the one draw-head will be made to grip the flange 117 of the opposing draw-headby means of the flanges 111 and grooves 111. The arms will be held in gripping position by the engagement of the books 116 with the hooks 119. As the rings 116, with the flanges 111, move toward the head 106 the rods 120 moveinwardly and by means of the pinion 123 force the racks 121 and arms 10% outwardly. The said arms 1015 will then abut against the posts 101 and carry the cyl inder or coupling-head 53 outwardly until it engagesthe opposing coupling-head 53. The teeth 54. of the one coupling-head are then pressed against the lugs 98 of the plate 98 of the opposing coupling, forcing in the rods 97, so that the plates 100 are wedged beneath the rollers 103, thereby disengaging the arms 104 from the posts 101. hen the opposingrings 110 meet and each flange 111 is forced about half-way to the seat in the head 106", the cas ing 81 and coupling-head 53 will be moved out by the rods and racks somewhatbeyond the point necessary for the meeting of the coupling-heads 53. Hence when the rings 116 and flanges 111 complete their journeys to' their seats in the respective heads 106 the coupling-heads force each other inwardly, but without affecting the rods 120, since' the rolllers 103 will ride up the inclines of the plates 100. At the same time the arms 111 ofeach draw-head engage the flanges 117. hen the casing 81 is forced out, the spring 125 is distended. As the coupling-heads" 53 meet the faces 5556 of the teeth 54 of theme will guide the points of the opposing teeth until both coupling-heads 53 are interlocked and the catches 58 59 of the two coupling-heads As the:

are firmly engaged with each other. When the coupling-heads meet, the ends of the pins 48 abut against each other, move inwardly, and free the clutch-disk 38 from the disk 40, thereby breaking the connection of the tube 33, and hence of the drum 2, with the arms 8,

and connecting the pin 48 with the arms 8- by locking the clutch-disk 10 with the disk 41%, the rollers 6 being then free to rotate with the casing 53.

The operation of uncoupling is as follows: The handle-bars 145 are grasped by the operator and the upper end of the lever 141 moved into engagement with the spring-clip 144, the dial 147 being moved with the lever by the sliding of the bar 1 18 beneath the strip 1&0. The spring 143is compressed. By means of the yokes 138 and 140 the lower end of the lever pulls the rod 135, which movement is transmitted to the bar 137, thereby disengaging the clutch-disk 132 from the disk 130 and moving the said disk 132 into engagement with the disk 131. If the lever 141 be turned, a rotary movement will be given to the rod 1 by means of the chain connecting the clutchdisk 131 with the spr0cket-wheel 136. Normally the drums of all the couplings are in such a position that the rollers 6 are located in the junctions of the grooves 3 and 1, with the bolts 19 of each drum drawn back into the recess 18. If the operator desires to uncouple, for example, the third coupling from his end of the train, he gives the handle-bars 145 a half-turn to the right, which movement is transmitted to the rod 1 and the rod 1 by means of the slip-joint between the said rods 1 and 1. Depending upon which end of the train the operator may have taken his station, either the drum 2 or the coupling-head 53 will be correspondingly turned. Let it be assumed that in the present instance the drum 2 is thus affected. A half'revolution of the handlebars 1415 will therefore turnthe first drum 2-likewisc through a half-revolution, the rollers 6 traveling in the grooves 3. As the drum turns the gate 10 is pressed back by the rollers 6, but immediately springs and the rollers 0 are locked together, so that a further rotation of the handle-bars 145 will turn ,,both drum and rollers together. By giving the handle-bars 145 a second half-turn the drum 2 of the second coupling in the line will be turned by theco'upling-head 53. The

second drum 2 is thereby made toturn, so that the gate is pressed aside, as before, by the rollers 6, so that these rollers will be finally locked between. the bolts 0 and 19 in the manner ICC) drum continues to rotate the rollers 0 are handle-bars 14:5 and rod 1 the first drum 2 l already described. Thus the drums of the first two couplings will be rigidly locked together, so that a further rotation of the handle-bars will be communicated to the third drum in the line of couplings. To uncouple the third coupling, the handle-bars 145 are turned only sutficiently to cause the gate 10 to be pressed back by the rollers 6. Then upon a quarter-turn of the handle-bars 145 in the opposite direction the rollers 6 of the said coupling will be caused to travel in the groove 5 (the gate 10 serving as a guide) and to enter the groove 4. By thus deflecting the rollers 6 into the groove 5 the arms 8, sleeve 68, and chain-ring 64 are moved longitudinally, hence disconnecting the catches 58 and 59'of the opposing coupling-heads 53, whereupon these coupling-heads are drawn apart by the distended spring 125 in the respective drawheads 156. As the parts mentioned are thus moved the hooks 119 and 116 are disengaged, (the hook 119 being thrown inwardly by the retraction of the cylinder 81,) whereupon each spring 112 disengages its arin 111 from the flange 117 of the opposing drawhead, thus disconnecting the members of the desired coupling. In like manner it is possible to disconnect any coupling in the train. When the coupling-heads 53. are drawn apart by the springs 125, each pin 48 under the action of the spring 47 is moved outwardly sufficientlyto disengage the clutch-disk 44 from the clutch-disk 40, freeing the pin 48 from the arms 8, engaging the disk 38 with the disk 40, and connecting the arms 8 with the tube 3 and drum 2. By the backward movement of the handle-bars 145 the rollers 6 are forced against the bolt 9, the catch 21 preventing a return of the rollers. By the action of the spring-catches 59 the rollers 6 are drawn along the groove 4 to the junctions of the grooves 3 and 4. The backward movement of the handle-bars 145 furthermore results in causing the rack 31 to actuate the rock-arm 45, so that the rack 16 is withdrawn from the path of the bolt 12, thereby enabling the bolts 12 and 19 to assume their initial positions. Hence all parts or the drum, together with the rollers 6, are restored to their normal places by the single backward movement of the han die-bars 145 in disconnecting the members of any coupling.

The racks 78 7 9, together with the rings 85, serve the purpose of connecting the casings 76 and coupling-head 53, respectively, with the outer casing 81, while either the cylinder 76 or 53 is independently rotated during the firsthalf-turn of the handle-bars 145. In the present instance when the first half-turn of the handle-bars 145 has finally resulted in locking the rollers 6 between the bolts .9 and 19 a further rotation of the drum 2will cause the rollers 6 to engage the pivot 92 of the wingplate members 93 94, spreading the wing-plates in the manner shown in Fig. 11, and. thereby withdrawing the head 88. of each lever-arm 88 from between the rings 85. As a result of this retraction of the head S8 the racks 78 79, coupling-heads 53, and ms ing 76 will turn, together with the arn1s8 and drum 2, in the same direction. The backward turn of the handle-bars 145, engaging the rollers G with the pivots 92, prevents the spring from forcing the head 88 between the rings 85 and assuming its normal position.

The operation of the modified form of coupling illustrated in Fig. 17, &c., is essentially the same as in the coupler described in the foregoing. The purpose of the modified construction, however, is merely to transmit a movement from one rod to another in a connected line of rods.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. A coupling comprising a draw-head; swinging coupling-arms mounted on the draw-head; a projection on the draw-head with which the coupling-arms of an opposing draw-head engage when the two draw-heads are brought together; means for holding the couplingarms in coupling position; and springs connecting the coupling-arms with the draw-head, said springs serving to hold the coupling-arms normally distended.

2. A coupling,comprising a draw-head with swinging, spring-controlled arms mounted thereon; a flange on the draw-head with which the coupling arms of the opposing draw-head engage when'the draw-heads are brought together; a ring located within the couplingarms and connected therewith; hooks on the ring and hooks within the drawhead with which the ring-hooks engage in coupling.

3. A coupling having a draw-head with swinging, spring-controlled arms mounted thereon; a coupling-head'within the drawhead; and operating devices between the coupling-arms and the coupling-head, said operating devices serving to move the coupling-head outward and draw the couplingarms inward to coupling position when the draw-heads are brought together.

4. A coupling, having a draw-head on which coupling-arms are mounted to swing, a coupling-head inclosed by the draw-head, said coupling-head comprising a casing having hollow teeth at its outer end and springcontrolled catches mounted in the teeth, the teeth of one coupling-head being adapted to interlock with the teeth of an opposing coupling-head, and spring-controlled catches to engage the spring-controlled catches of the opposing coupling-head.

. 5. A coupling, having a draw-head; coupling-arms mounted to swing on the draw-head; a ring located within and connected within the coupling-arms, said ring having hooks; hooks with the draw-head, said hooks being adapted to engage the ring-hooks; acouplinghead mounted to move Within the draw-head; and operating devices serving to move the coupling-head outward to engage an opposrack-bar connected with the ring and extended within the draw-head; and a second rack-bar actuated by the first-named rack-bar for the purpose of forcing the coupling-head outward when the ring is moved inwardly.

8. In a coupling, the combination with a drum having a circumferential guide, a longitudinal guide intersecting the said circumferential guide, a guide angularly disposed with relation to the other'two guides and connecting the same, and springactuated barriers arranged in relation to the guides; of a cylindermovable longitudinally and revolublywith respect tothe drum, arms projecting from the cylinder and embracing the drum, and rollers on the arms, said rollers having movement in the guides of the drum and being adapted to be locked by the barriers to the drum.

9. In a coupling, the combination with a drum having a circumferential guide, a 1011- gitudinal guide communicating with the circumferential guide, a guide angularly disposed with relation to the other two guides and connecting the same, and barriers arranged in relation to the circumferential guides, said barriers comprising a spring-controlled bolt adapted to move in alongitudinal groove in the drum and'connected With one end of a pivoted lever, a bolt with which the other end of the lever is connected to be ac-- tuated in unison with the first-named bolt, and a spring-controlled bolt arranged to move longitudinally in the drum between the two first-named bolts; of a cylinder movable longitudinally and revolubly with respect to the drum, arms projecting from the cylinder and embracing the drum, and rollers carried by the arms, said rollers having movement in the guides of the drum and being adapted to be locked between the second and third mentioned bolts after having pressed aside the longitudinally, and longitudinally-ranging operating devicesmovable beyond thecoupling-head for impact against similar operating'devices on an opposing coupling-section; and means acting on the coupling-head and actuated by the said longitudinally-ranging operating devices, to force the coupling-head outward into engagement with the opposing coupling-head.

12. In a coupling, coupling-sections which comprise a coupling-head mounted to move longitudinally, and longitudinally-ranging operating devices movable beyond the coupling-head for impact against similar operating devices on an opposing coupling-section; means acting on the coupling-head and actuated by the said longitudinally-ranging operating devices, to force the coupling-head outward into engagement with the opposing coupling-head; and a retractile spring for returning the coupling-head to inner position.

13. In a coupling, coupling-sections which comprise a coupling-head mounted to move longitudinally, and longitudinally ranging operating devices movable beyond the coupling-head for impact against similar operating devices on an opposing coupling-section,- means acting on the coupling-head and actuated by the said longitudinally-ranging op erating devices, to force the coupling-head outward into engagement with the opposing coupling-head; and means for disengaging the coupling-head.

14. A coupling, comprising a draw-head; arms mounted to swing on the draw-head; a coupling-head mounted to have longitudinal movement in the draw-head; operating devices for simultaneously causing the coup ling-head to move forward and the coupling arms to swing inward when two draw-heads are brought together; a drum having a guideway and movable barriers for the guideway; a member arranged to be held between the barriers of the drum-guideway; means for actuating the barriers to lock or release the said member; and means for locking the drum member and thecoupling-head together.

15. A coupling, comprising a draw-head; swinging spring-controlled coupling-arms mounted on the draw-head; a ring connected with the coupling -arms; a longitudinallymovable coupling -head within the drawhead; operating devices actuated by the ring for simultaneously forcing the coupling-head forward to engage the coupling-head, and the coupling-arms inward; a drum having guides and movable barriers for the guides; a cylinder, an operative connection between the cylinder and the coupling head; and arms projecting from the cylinder and embracing the drum, said arms having parts adapted to be locked in barriers in thedrum and arranged,when moved longitudinally on the drum, to release the coupling-head from the opposing coupling-head.

16. In a coupling,the combination of a coupling-head having hollow teeth adapted to in' terlock with the teeth of an opposing coupling-head; catches mounted in the hollow teeth and arranged to engage the catches in the teeth of an opposing coupling-head; a pin on which the coupling-head is arranged to slide, a cylinder, a clutch for connecting or disconnecting the cylinder and pin; a connection between the catches of the couplinghead teeth and the said cylinder; and means for longitudinally moving the cylinder to retract the said catches, whereby the couplinghead is released from the opposing couplinghead.

17. In a coupling, the combination of a longitudinallymovable coupling-head having teeth; catches in the teeth; a cylinder having arms; operating devices for retracting the catches, said operating devices being actuated by a longitudinal movement of the cylinder; and a rotatable drum having arms, and barriers between which the cylinderarms are locked in the guides, the drum when turned in one direction causing the arms to move the cylinder longitudinally in order to retract the catches of the couplinghead teeth.

18. In a coupling,the combination ofa drum having guides and barriers for the guides; a casing for the drum revoluble therewith; a coupling-head having hollow teeth adapted to interlock with the teeth of an opposing coupling-head; spring-pressed catches in the teeth, said catches being adapted to engage similar catches in the teeth of an opposing coupling; means for connecting or disconnecting the drum-casing and the couplinghead; and a cylinder between the drum and the drum-head, said cylinder being connected with the catches of the coupling-head and with the arms'received in the guides of the drum, said'arms when moved longitudinally on the drum serving to disconnect the catches of the one coupling-head from the catches of I the opposing coupling-head.

19. A coupling, comprising a draw-head, swinging, spring-controlled members mounted on the draw-head a coupling-head mounted to rotate and to reciprocate in the drawhead, said coupling-head having hollow teeth adapted to interlock with the teeth of an opposing coupling-head; a ring connected with the members on the draw-head, operating devices actuated by the ring on impact with the ring of an opposing coupling to draw the members on the draw-head inwardly and to force the coupling-head outwardly into engagement with the opposing coupling-head; a pin on which the coupling-head is carried; a clutch operated in one direction by the pin and in the other direction by a spring; a drum having guides and movable barriers for the guides;

arms received in the guides of the drum and arranged to retract the catches of the coupling-head teeth when moved longitudinallyinward on the drum, the barriers of the drum serving to lock the arms in the guides; a casing inclosing the drum; a circular rack mounted on the said casing; a circular rack mounted on the coupling-head; and operating devices for connecting or disconnecting the two circular racks, said devices being actuated by the arms to connect or disconnect the couplinghead and drum-casing.

20. In a coupling, the combination of a coupling-head having teeth; spring-pressed catches mounted in the teeth; a pin on which the coupling-head is carried; a drum having guides, and barriers for the guides; a cylinder between the drum and the coupling-head, said cylinder having arms, portions of which are received in the guides and locked between the barriers, the cylinders serving as means for retracting the catches; a casing for the drum; a circular rack on the said casing; a circular rack on the coupling-head a locking connection between the two racks, and means for releasing the said locking connection,said means being actuated by the arms in the drn m= guides.

21. In a coupling, the combination with a drum having a circumferential guide, a longitudinal guide, an annularly-disposed guide connecting the other two guides, and movable barriers for each of the guides; of a spring-pressed rack slidably mounted in the drum and arranged to hold the barriers of the circumferential guide in one position; a rockarm connected at one end with the said rack, and a circular rack surrounding the drum, against which circular rack the other end of the rock-arm abuts, the rock-arm serving to operate the drum-rack so that the barriers of the circumferential guide of the drum may return to their normal positions.

22. A coupling, comprising a draw-head, swinging, spring-controlled arms mounted on the draw-head; a coupling-head mounted within the draw-head; a casing surrounding the coupling-head, through which casing the coupling-head projects; operating. devices whereby the arms on the draw-head are drawn inwardly and the coupling-head and its casing forced outwardly during coupling; and a retractile spring serving the purpose of drawing the coupling-head and its casing back into inoperative position.

In witness whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence ot two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM H. (JORDILL.

WVitnesses:

HENRY KEINER, OLIVER P. ()oRDILL. 

